Quiet the noise
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A big part of getting organized is limiting distractions. Maybe your new HABIT is to set aside 2 hours a week to go through things and organize. Either choose the same time each week or schedule the time at the beginning of each week so it’s on your calendar. Turn your phone off so you aren’t distracted. You will be amazed at how much you can do in that time. 

Having a cue helps keep a new habit.

Tie your new habit to something you already do. 

For example, I've always wanted to be able to a 'normal' pushup. I decided I would start with 2 "on your knees" pushups everyday before taking my shower. To remember to do them, I made my cue turning on the water. 

So each day, after I turned on the water for my shower (already a habit) I walked back into the bedroom and did my 2 pushups. I started small so I wouldn't have an excuse not to do it -2 pushups only takes a few seconds.

Since I started this small habit, and tied it to a cue, it became part of my daily routine. Every so often I'd add a pushup increasing the number I'd do.

Now I do a mix of  'normal' pushups,  modified pushups and chaturanga pushups! 

Manage your energy - not your tasks

Creating a new HABIT takes a bit of willpower in the beginning. Willpower is like a muscle, which means it can get fatigued.

When you are tired, your willpower is not as strong. I’m more productive in the morning and late afternoon, so when I’m trying to create a new HABIT, I’ll work it in during those times.

Plan your new HABIT around the time of day you have more energy and it will help you be successful

Another take on managing your energy not your tasks is about balancing the things in your life that GIVE you energy vs EXPENDING energy. So if there are things on your list that take energy, work them in around things that give you energy so you don’t get depleted. It will also make those not so fun tasks easier because you are starting them from a better place.
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I am an introvert, so even though I enjoy meeting up with friends and doing things, it takes energy. I need quiet time to get energy. As a general rule, I limit my social engagements to keep things in balance. When life gets busy and there is lots to do, I re-evaluate so I can have the quiet time I need to be energized to complete the tasks.

What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
For me - COFFEE 

Morning routines can set the tone for the whole day. I stopped the HABIT of checking my email and scrolling on my phone first thing. I also used to watch the news while drinking my coffee and found that there was nothing uplifting about it.
I’m working on a new HABIT for the morning that still starts with coffee, but now includes a short meditation and giving my pups extra attention. With my focus on more positive things, I can bring that energy into my day.

One small change can make a big difference.

For example, find a spot to put your keys every time you come home (close to the door if possible). This sounds simple, right? Well, you’d be surprised how many people struggle to find their keys when heading out the door, spending precious time frustrated in the delay. 
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Pick a pretty bowl or dish, or hang them from a hook.  Create a HABIT of always putting them in their place. This simple action can save lots of time and energy in your day to day.

What is working in your day to day schedule? In how you work, exercise, play? This month is all about HABITS and I’m inviting you to change just ONE habit which means adding something you want to start doing, or stop doing ONE thing you no longer want to do. 

Remember, getting clear on what’s important will be a huge help in organizing everything else!

Memberships and Subscriptions

This is an area that can take over quickly. Subscriptions have gone far beyond just magazines, now they include TV & music streaming apps, phone apps for just about everything, memberships to clubs and associations, online memberships, food delivery memberships….it’s endless.

Take a look through your credit card bill and you might be surprised what you are paying each month in subscriptions. This months process of CLEARING is a great time re-evaluate what you are signed up for. Save yourself some money - and time - and only stay with what works for your lifestyle today. All of those $0.99 or $2.99 monthly fees add up quickly!

As you continue CLEARING your space, your mind and your commitments is there an area that trips you up? Something you might need help with? 

Getting organized is so much more than moving stuff around. It’s a process that needs to be tweaked throughout life since our situations change. A process that worked for you 5 years ago may not work now and things you loved may no longer fit your lifestyle. Look around and take note of anything that you don’t enjoy anymore. Maybe a picture or decor item that is just taking up space but is no longer your style. Can you pick out 2 things from where you are sitting that you can get rid of? 

What is the most important thing right now?

Remembering what is most important can help you to make decisions about the way you live and what you do. 

Knowing this helps in CLEARING items in your house as well. 

Ask yourself, what is most important today? Then whenever there is a decision, go back to your answer to see if it aligns.

It is easy to get distracted by what is in front you, thinking that it needs your attention. If you are clear on what’s most important, you will only give attention to those particular things and will be less distracted by the other stuff.

​Give it try!